Kumar Rao Pawar, a 21-year-old Blinkit delivery agent and diploma student in Bengaluru, was arrested for allegedly molesting Brazilian model Isabella Pereira at her RT Nagar residence on October 17.
The model, staying with two other women, had ordered food via Blinkit. Pawar allegedly touched her inappropriately during the delivery, shocking her into pushing him away and locking the door.
The victim confided in her roommates, who alerted their employer. CCTV footage corroborated the complaint. The employer filed a police complaint on October 25, leading to Pawar’s arrest under Sections 75(1) and 76 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Investigations are ongoing.
Incident at RT Nagar Apartment
Isabella Pereira, a Brazilian model residing in Bengaluru with two other women, placed a grocery order through Blinkit on October 17. At around 3:20 pm, delivery agent Kumar Rao Pawar arrived at the apartment.
During the handover, Pawar allegedly touched her in a sexual manner, an act that outraged her modesty and frightened her. She immediately pushed him away, locked the door, but initially refrained from reporting due to fear and shock.
Days later, she shared the ordeal with her flatmates, who then notified their employer. The employer reviewed CCTV footage, which showed Pawar’s alleged behaviour, prompting police involvement.
Police Action and Investigation
Upon receiving the complaint on October 25, Bengaluru Police arrested Pawar the same day. Deputy Commissioner of Police Babasab Nemagoud confirmed Pawar was a diploma student employed part-time with Blinkit.
The police have registered the case under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions for sexual harassment. They are examining CCTV footage, collecting witness statements, and analysing digital evidence to build the case. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting women and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This disturbing incident highlights the vulnerability of women engaging with gig economy services, raising questions about safety measures in rapidly growing app-based delivery platforms.
It is a call to action for corporations to enforce robust employee screening and training programmes and for wider societal efforts to ensure women’s safety. The Logical Indian urges collective responsibility among technology companies, law enforcement, and the community in creating safe, respectful service environments.
